Released by Pentax:
PENTAX Markets Two Compact, Lightweight Macro Lenses as the First Model of High-Performance smc PENTAX-D FA Series
A New Series Designed to Optimize Image Quality in Digital SLR photography
PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the development of the new
smc PENTAX-D FA interchangeable lens series, designed to optimize image
quality in digital SLR photography. The series also features an image circle
covering accommodating the 35mm-format film. As the first models of this new
series, PENTAX will market two compact, lightweight macro lenses for close-up
photography up to a life-size magnification.
Major Features
1. High-Performance Optical Design to Optimize Digital Imaging
Characteristics
Taking advantage of its advanced optical design technologies, PENTAX
successfully optimized the optical characteristics of these new lenses for digital
photography, including lens coating and curvature and positioning of optical
elements. In particular, flare and ghost images - the most disturbing factors in
digital SLR photography - have been reduced to minimum for clear, high-quality
digital images.
2. Image Circle Compatible with 35mm-Format SLR Cameras
The new lenses features an image circle accommodating the image size (36mm
by 24mm) of 35mm-format SLR film cameras. As a result, they produces
high-quality images with edge-to-edge sharpness and free of vignetting, even
when mounted on conventional 35mm-format SLR cameras.
3. Aperture Ring for Fingertip Aperture Control
The new series comes equipped with an aperture ring to accommodate the
lens-set Aperture-Priority AE and Metered Manual modes, assuring fingertip
aperture control from the shooting position.
4. Compact, Lightweight Design
Both the smc PENTAX-D FA Macro 100mm F2.8 and the smc PENTAX-D FA
Macro 50mm F2.8 are designed to be extremely compact and lightweight,
compared to conventional macro lenses. The drastic downsizing and weight
reduction were achieved through the development of compact, high-performance
optical elements and the incorporation of durable yet lightweight exterior
components. The filter size is standardized at 49mm.
Comparison with Conventional smc PENTAX-FA Macro Lenses
| |
smc PENTAX-D FA
Macro 100mm F2.8 |
smc PENTAX-FA
Macro 100mm F2.8 |
smc PENTAX-D FA
Macro 50mm F2.8 |
smc PENTAX-FA
Macro 50mm F2.8
|
| Dimensions
(Maximum
diameter x
Length)
| 67.5mm x 80.5mm | 74mm x 103.5mm | 67.5mm x 60mm | 68mm x 70mm
|
| Weight | 345g | 600g | 265g | 385g
|
| Filter
Diameter | 49mm | 58mm | 49mm | 52mm
|
5. Life-Size Macro Photography
The new lenses offer a maximum magnification of 1X (life size), producing
impressive, well-defined macro images.
6. Exceptional Image Definition over the Entire Focusing Range
The smc PENTAX-D FA Macro 100mm F2.8 incorporates the FREE (Fixed Rear
Element Extension) focusing system, while the smc PENTAX-DA FA Macro
50mm F2.8 features the dependable floating system. These systems ensure
exceptional focusing distance to infinity - by effectively reducing annoying
aberrations at any focusing distance.
7. Smooth, Effortless Operations
A wide focusing ring assures speedy, high-accuracy focusing operations in the
manual-focus mode. In the autofocus mode, it is uncoupled with the autofocus
mechanism and locked in place without rotation.
8. Quick-Shift Focus System
When mounted on the PENTAX *istD, these lenses feature the innovative
Quick-Shift Focus System, which allows the photographer to first capture the
subject focus in AF mode, then move to manual focus without the need to
perform mode switching operations.
9. Other Features
(1) Built-in focus-clamp mechanism to fix focus at any distance
(2) Large lens hood to effectively shield the lens surface from excessive incident
light
(3) Metallic lens mount for extra durability
www.pentax.co.uk
Specifications
| |
smc PENTAX-D FA Macro 100mm F2.8 | smc PENTAX-D FA Macro 50mm F2.8
|
| Lens Mount | PENTAX KAF | PENTAX KAF
|
| Lens
Construction | 9 elements in 8 groups | 8 elements in 7 groups
|
| Angle of View | 24.5° (16° with *istD body) | 47°
(31.5° with *istD body)
|
| Diaphram | Fully automatic | Fully automatic
|
| Minimum
Aperture | F32 | F32
|
| Number of
Aperture
Blades
| 8 | 8
|
| Metering
System | TTL open-aperture metering | TTL open-aperture metering
|
| Minimum
Focusing | 0.303m (1 ft.) (Working distance: 0.130m/0.43 ft.) | 0.195m (0.65 ft.)
(Working distance: 0.047m/0.16 ft.)
|
| Filter
Diameter | 49mm | 49mm
|
| Maximum
Magnification | Life size (1X) | Life size (1X)
|
| Maximum
Diameter | 67.5mm (2.7 in.) | 67.5mm (2.7 in.)
|
| Maximum
Length | 80.5mm (3.2 in.) | 60mm (2.4 in.)
|
| Weight (w/o
hood) | 345g (12.2 oz.) | 265g (9.3 oz.)
|
| Hood | PH-RBB 49mm (included) | PH-RBC 49mm (included)
|
